By MARLA RIDENOUR
By MARLA RIDENOUR
McClatchy-Tribune
BEREA, Ohio — Browns General Manager Ray Farmer knows that when it comes to rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel, the suspense is killing the fans and media.
But Farmer seems in no rush to satisfy their curiosity, even though starter Brian Hoyer’s contract expires after this season.
“I do understand everybody is eager to see what’s under the hood,” Farmer said of Manziel. “We’ll find out in time. There are different ways to look at it. I just don’t think solving it with one play or one opportunity or one game is really the answer to anybody’s long-term questions.”
Speaking Tuesday for the first time since Sept. 5, Farmer said he had his own opinion on how long it takes to make a correct assessment of an NFL quarterback, but he would not share it. He said if given the opportunity to do it over again, he would still select the Heisman Trophy winner from Texas A&M in the first round and believes he can be a starter in the league. He would not say if anyone called before the Oct. 28 trade deadline to inquire about Manziel.
“I’m not the guy to kiss and tell,” Farmer said.
But getting Manziel in a game for more than a few plays soon didn’t sound likely. The Browns (5-3) visit the Cincinnati Bengals (5-2-1) Thursday night for a crucial AFC North game.
“It depends upon what that opportunity would look like and what we thought we were getting out of it,” Farmer said. “I want Johnny to play when Johnny’s ready to play. We’re comfortable with where we’re at and how we want to play him with what the total organization looks like around him. The [goal] is for him to be successful for a long period of time and not just for a moment or a flash. So we’re going to put together the right group and make sure everything is in place and he’s going to be ready and we’re going to be ready when he does get the opportunity.”
Some wondered if Farmer was implying Manziel is the quarterback of the future, especially when Farmer would give no hints about the Browns’ interest in re-signing Hoyer.
Asked if he expected Hoyer and Manziel to be on the team next year, Farmer said, “Brian’s contract expires at the end of the season, Johnny’s doesn’t. We’ll see what happens with Brian between now and then.” It’s unclear whether he meant how Hoyer plays or whether they’re able to get a deal done.
Hoyer is 8-3 as a Browns starter and ranks 12th in the AFC this season with an 88.0 passer rating. Farmer said Hoyer hasn’t exceeded expectations.
“I don’t think he’s exceeded anything,” Farmer said. “I’m a firm believer that guys given opportunities perform to the level that they’re asked. Either they make it or they don’t. That’s for a lot of players on this team, sometimes it’s good when you don’t have [the big name] and fanfare and you go out and accomplish your job.”
As to what’s impressed him about Hoyer besides winning, Farmer said, “Be a pro. I’ve always talked about guys that study it, learn it, love it, breathe it, and he’s done that. He’s demonstrated his commitment and his drive to be as good as he can be.”